Happy Mother's Day....tomorrow!

^^Probably one of my favorite pictures with all of us kids and mom^^

This weekend my thoughts have been constantly turned to motherhood. To my grandmother's, to my mother in law, to my own mother, and finally to me. Motherhood is one of the hardest, but most rewarding things I could ever take part in, and I am so thankful that I get to be a mother to my little one. Mothers make so many sacrifices for their family and most of the time it goes unnoticed until you are older and are experiencing it yourself. I am so grateful for all those mothers before me who have helped shape me into the mother that I am today. I have a long way to go but I have so many wonderful examples to look to. 

Happy Mother's Day all you mothers out there!

More snow?!

This snow really likes to test my patience. I had so many errands that I wanted to run, (plus it would kill a little time I wouldn't have to entertain miss E) but I guess it's not meant to be. It just keeps coming down! But it's been good in a way. I've definitely had to get more creative to entertain Evelyn. Which usually isn't hard. Most of the time you can find her sitting by her books. She loves to take them all out, scatter them everywhere, and eventually look through the pages. This is a girl after my own heart! But this being cooped up inside all day has brought out a little devilish side in her. I've seen her throw a couple of little tantrums lately and I can't help but just laugh a little because she looks so cute! Oh the perks of being a mom. 

Snow!

View from our window this morning

Nothing thoughts

After putting Evelyn down for the night, I found myself with some time alone. Jake was still at school  for a meeting and doing some extra school work so I took advantage of this alone time to just simply think. I don't know about you but I do my best thinking while in the shower. I turned on the water as hot as my skin could stand it and just let my thoughts come out. It's been a long time since I had some time to myself to just think about nothing. For the longest time my brain was always thinking about work, getting home on time to make dinner, *or look in the fridge to see what I could quickly make*, making sure I had quality time with Evelyn, making sure Jake had enough time to do homework, who's watching Evelyn tomorrow, work, getting laundry done, keeping the house clean, *as much as I could anyway*, and making sure Jake and I had some quality time before my eyelids got heavy on me.

It felt so good to just close my eyes and think about nothing. Can you even do that? Think about nothing?

Our decision to finally have me quit and stay home full time has been a huge blessing to our little family. Yes we have had to make some sacrifices. A lot. But I've already seen the blessings that have come from it. I have been able to string myself back together instead of always hanging by a thread. I'm turning into the "fun one" instead of Jake...although I don't think I will ever be the full "fun one".  Evelyn is daddy's girl to a "T". I have had more time for scripture study. And more importantly, I have had more time to be the only thing I've ever wanted to be. A mother. Thank you to any of you who have helped us in any small way to get to this point. I feel so blessed to have the friends and family that I do and to be so near them all. Being a mother is the best thing ever. 

Baby food

via

We are talking about baby food over here today!

I don't think we have ever bought a jar or baby food. Since miss e has been old enough to eat solids I have been having fun finding yummy recipes, making my own baby food and have enjoyed watching her experience new tastes.  For those who think they would never have time to make baby food, or it's too hard, think again. It's so SO easy. Plus I love buying produce that's in season and finding yummy recipes. Another plus is that I know exactly what goes into her food. Since most baby foods at the grocery store go through an extreme heat process so they can last on the shelf a very long time, they loose a lot of nutrients during that process.

No loss of nutrients here! 

We use the Baby Bullet here at our house but honestly if you have a blender you should be good. The thing that I love about the Baby Bullet though is the storing containers it comes with. Makes it so easy to make a huge batch of baby food and store it in the freezer for later. Here is one of the recipes that we have tried lately. Evelyn can't get enough and inhales it every time!

Butternut squash, apple puree - (this made a pretty big batch)

• half butternut squash, washed, peeled and cubed
• several apples, peeled and cubed
• Place on cookie sheet, I covered mine with tin foil for easy cleanup
• bake at 425 for 30-40 min.
• Remove and place into blender. I used my regular blender for this one since it was going to be such a big batch. I would also recommend blending little batches at a time.
• Add water, or breast milk since it may get a little thick. I also added a tiny bit of pumpkin spice to the mix. Pour puree in a glass dish and let cool and then you have delicious baby food ready for your little one.

I can't remember where I found this recipe, I'm thinking I was watching a cooking show on tv and that is where I saw it. However there are tons of sites that offer lots of baby food recipes. My favorite has been here. Talk about recipes that you would even eat! Not only does she have recipes for baby food, she also has recipes for toddlers, school lunches, and even family recipes! I have also found good information here. So for those who have thought about it, try it! If any of you have other questions feel free to shoot me an e-mail. 

Sometimes...

found on pinterest but couldn't find the link

I feel like this after a long weekend, that was never really long enough to begin with. Working part time, trying to keep the house clean, making dinners, taking care of Evelyn, making sure Jake stays alive....the list goes on and on. And I fall short a lot of the time, but one thing that having a baby has taught me is to slow down and that you will never get everything done on your list. At least if your list looks like mine. 

And I'm okay with that. 

Featured

I was featured on bedheadmom where moms and their bed head are celebrated! Wendy, the maker of this site is a beautiful person inside and out and it was so fun to just sit and talk with her. We talked a lot  about beauty and how we both think it is so important for our children, especially girls, to learn that true beauty comes from the inside. Head on over to here to check it out!

What do you see when you look at yourself in the mirror?

I was being interviewed for a blog and was asked this question. At first, the only answer I had was, "I never really have time to look at myself in the mirror. I throw my hair up, put on a little makeup, go to work, come home and play with my family." But as I have had more time to think about this question, I realized something. When I look in the mirror, my hair is usually a mess and neglected. I just got my hair trimmed and the last time I had it trimmed was before Evelyn was born. My makeup is never perfect and nearly gone by the time I settle down for the day. But when I really look in the mirror, I see that my hair is a mess because I have a little girl who loves to play with it. And my makeup is usually gone because of so many kisses from my hubby.

When I look in the mirror I see a woman who is loved.

Looking back

First time holding Evelyn

This past week I have been watching videos of little Evelyn when she was first born. My goodness she is growing up. I have loved being able to watch her little personality come out. She is such a curious little girl and I love watching her experience things for the first time. The past couple of days it has been raining. Well I took her outside while it was just sprinkling and anytime a drop of rain would fall on her she would look up at me, smile and laugh! I just wanted to push pause and live that moment for a while.

She's become quite the lover of water. Anytime I am holding her while turning a faucet on, she turns towards the water and reaches her hand out to touch it. She loves bath time and usually by the end, I have had a bath as well with how much she splashes. It's so much fun.

She really has filled the hole in our lives. Not that the hole was a bad one, or a big one, but she has filled it and made our lives even better. I feel so humbled to be a mom, to be capable of bringing precious little children into my life. I think we all need more of them in our lives. To be around them. To learn from them as they learn from us. I have already learned so much from Evelyn. Babies are born with a need to be loved. To be taken care of. And there's nothing else in this world that I would rather do.

Strands

Okay this postpartum hair loss thing has got to stop. I feel like I am going through chemo again! It keeps coming out by the bushels, yet my mane is still as thick as ever. Jake just told me we need to vacuum.  Yikes! Poor Jake. You know it's bad when you walk around the house and can feel some of the hair in the carpet. I'm just about ready to chop it off.

Just about.

What being a working mom has taught me

Some days are harder than others. Today was one of those days. One of those days where I didn't want to go to work and just stay home and play with baby e. I called Jake this morning to see how she was doing and heard her chatting away in the background. I knew right then she had her favorite stuffed animal in her hands and was telling her all about her morning so far. She loves that teddy bear. It made my day to hear her little voice. Jake and I, (like always) live for the weekends. It's my time to pretend I am a full stay at home mom and spend time with my little girl. I treasure the weekends. Don't get me wrong, I love love love my job. I love the people I work with. I love talking with my patients.

But I love my little girl more.

Being a working mom has made me treasure every second I get with her when I get home. Even when she is being fussy. E-mail can wait. Blogging can wait. Chores can wait. Cooking can wait...(sorry Jake!). Being a working mom can be hard, yet also rewarding. So hats off to you working mom's. It may not be the way you wanted it at first, some of you may not have a choice, but you do it because you love your family. I'm so grateful for Jake's hard work, plowing through school as fast as he can so I can be a stay at home mom.

Welcome to the hood...

Motherhood that is.

Yesterday was my first official Mother's Day! I don't know if any of you new mamma's feel like this, (or maybe it's just me) but I sometimes forget I am a mom. And it feels weird to say that I am a mom. Like I have a little girl. And I'm her mom. And she is my daughter. Weird right? Motherhood is still something new to me. I was telling my mom that I am getting small glimpses day by day on what it is like to be a mother. To take care of others before you even think about what you need. That you would do anything and everything for your little one. And that when you are completely exhausted from a hard days work and all you want to do is just sit down and sleep, you take care of your little one some more because you love them so much. Evelyn has started to smile quite a lot and I always tell Jake that no matter what stressful thing was bothering me before, as soon as I see that little smile I forget about it completely and smother her with kisses.

My first Mother's Day!

Anyways, Jake got up super early and made a wonderful breakfast for us and made sure that I didn't do a lick of work. It was fabulous. Then we spent Sunday morning with his family and then headed back down and spent the evening with my family. It was also Amie's 15th birthday which we celebrated and.....we got to skype with my brother! That was probably the highlight of our day. He looks so good and it was so fun to actually see him instead of just hear his voice. Boy do we all miss him.

He said he felt like he was playing Halo again with the headset! 

The fam talking with Nate

Well I hope all you mother's, grandmother's, and soon to be mother's had a wonderful Mother's Day. Let me just say that I am so grateful for my own mother and my mother-in-law. I love them so much and this world would be a sad place without them.

Not so fearless

If you were to ask me if I was bothered by needles my answer would be no. I have had my fair share of needles being poked and prodded into me. But after today....my answer would be, "I'm a wimp". Today was the dreaded shots appointment for Evelyn. There she was laying in her diaper on the examination table, warm, cute, chubby and cooing. Then the nurse grabbed three different syringes and poked each of them right into my heart. Obviously not really but my heart ached each time they poked my little girl. She screamed and screamed and as soon as the nurse left I picked up my little girl and cried with her. Yes I'm a wimp. And then we went home and praised whoever created infant Tylenol and my mom for bringing it over. I think I am going to take my little one, snuggle her and watch Downton Abbey the rest of the evening. It's been a rough day for both of us.

Motherhood guest post #7

My dear friend Kim is my next motherhood guest. We both got married on the same day and had our babies six days apart! Crazy stuff right there. It was fun to have another person that was going through all that fun pregnancy stuff with you!


"Last June (one week after our first year anniversary), I found out I was pregnant! Me? Right now? Heavenly Father, are you sure about this? I'm a dance major and not ready to be a Mom yet. I still have to finish school! Plus Aaron and I are just getting the hang of married life and everything that that entails. I was frustrated. This wasn't my plan, nor did I feel it was my time to be a stay at home mommy...it just didn't sound that glamorous to me. I had seen so many crazy, undisciplined kids that I simply didn't want my own at the time. But I had to take a step back, it wasn't up to me anymore... this was God's plan for me and I needed to follow His will. Its tough to give up your dreams and desires to follow an unknown path full of unknown adventures, but I did it anyway. I had to toss my fear out the window and muster up enough faith to carry me through the next nine months of pregnancy. 

Somehow, by some miracle... I was able to switch my major from Dance to University Studies - this change alone helped me to graduate about two months before Michael was born. I did it! I graduated college with my bachelor's degree! Maybe it wasn't the major I had originally chosen or the route I had originally planned... but after all was said and done, I still was able to accomplish my goal I had set for myself. Then things became a little bit easier for a while...until the hard times set in. I was used to dancing 9 to 10 hours a day, plus going to the gym, running my errands, doing laundry, cleaning the house, going to the temple and on dates with Aaron...ward activities, social outings, etc. And then I quickly changed from an active lifestyle to (in my eyes) a sedentary one. Not a fun switcharoo I must say. But somehow I was still able to get in my daily exercise regime and clean and craft... and all that jazz... just a little less dancing. Then came the time to prepare the nursery... crazy but I didn't really care to make it all cute. I really wasn't excited to have a baby. I had quite the bad attitude, I must say. Slowly, I decided to change my attitude. Since I couldn't change the situation, nor could I back out... it was time I found a way to enjoy the journey that was about to take place in my life. I started crafting and sewing and cleaning up a storm! I even made drapes for the nursery - and I'm not a seamstress! Miracles do happen! haha 

For some reason I wasn't progressing on my own, so Aaron and I decided the doctor should induce me. Saturday Morning (Feb. 11th) I was induced and got the epidural after I was dilated to a 4 and then I pushed for two hours and there he was! The doctor let Aaron "catch" Mikey with him and place little Michael on my chest for the first time so he could meet his mommy. I held him and immediately started bawling. I began to try to calm his crying and had an infinite and instant love for this baby boy I had been carrying for the past nine months. It was such an overwhelming experience. Nothing could've prepared me for that moment. Its been a little over a month now since I gave birth to little Michael and its crazy how fast he has grown mentally and physically. He can roll over on his own and scoot across his blanket if you help him a bit. He is such a cuddle bug and loves to sleep on Mommy or Daddy's chest instead of in his bassinet or swing. I love being a Mom and taking care of such a cute and innocent little guy, but I must admit, Motherhood is exhausting hard work. Its tough waking up every few hours to feed him and change his diaper or soothe him to sleep again. And then waking up the next morning to do the same thing all day. I have found that its hard for me to get ready before 2 in the afternoon because he needs so much constant care. Its a luxury to take a shower now, rather than just something I had to do each day. :) Things change and you have to learn to do things really fast and while they are sleeping. Laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, getting ready for the day are just a few simple things that must get sped up and done in between feedings. Its definitely a new adventure, but I am willing to take it and find a way to enjoy every step of the way. It gets better every day. My advice to all new Mothers out there would be to keep up on your scripture reading, journal writing and prayers... for these are the things that will give you the strength to carry on through the hard times. Also, keep doing the things that make you happy. Work out, dance, sing, go outside for a walk, etc. Do what makes you you so that you can help your little one to become who they are supposed to be as well:). Find joy in every step of your new and exciting journey :) Stay positive and take it one day at a time!"

Thanks Kim and congrats again on your new little boy!

Motherhood guest post #6

It's time for another motherhood post! Today's guest is a dear friend of mine who has the cutest little girl ever and has quite a little personality. The pictures say it all!


When Heather asked me to be a guest blogger I felt honored and surprised. I guess sometimes I forget I'm a mother because you take on the role so easily the second they put that little baby into your arms. Well maybe not the exact second they put your baby in your arms. I know that for me, holding my baby was what I anticipated for my whole pregnancy and the truth is that when they put my Anna on my chest right after she was born I was in shock. I was thinking, "That baby came out of me? Really?" I was hoping for some grand moment where I just knew she was mine and that I loved her with all my heart. But honestly, I was just worried about her health, my health, and I was in so much shock that I survived childbirth. Once I recovered from the whole ordeal and Anna was cleaned up and brought to me though I knew that she was mine and that I loved her more than anything in the world. I didn't even know that I was capable of loving someone so much and I continue to learn about my capacity to love and it grows every day. 

During my pregnancy I was worried about the dumb little vain things that every mom worries about. Will my baby be cute? Will she have hair? Will she like me? I really tried not to dwell on those fears because I had much larger fears that were more important. My biggest fear during my pregnancy that I still fear today is if I will be the person she needs. I want to be a better person for her. As a teenager I kind of lived my life however I wanted. I didn't really worry about preparing to be a mom someday. So now I am trying to change and become the mom that Anna needs. I am a work in progress everyday and some days are better than others. I don't always manage our lives very well, sometimes I lose my patience, and sometimes I just make stupid choices. The best thing at the end of the day though is that Anna still loves me and forgives me whether I was a good mom that day or not which gives me what I need to just keep trying and keep going on with life. 

And although life can be hard sometimes the hard times are worth all of the rewarding, wonderful, amazing moments that I have with my daughter. I love the way that Anna gives me kisses right when I need them. I love that we get to be best friends and play together all the time. I love when I get to snuggle her at night and when we take naps together. I love that I get to teach her new things every day and that I am her favorite person in the whole world. There are so many cherished moments that I will never forget like the first time she smiled up at me. 

Speaking of my most cherished moments-the best moments with Anna when she was a tiny baby happened when I was holding her. The best advice I have for a young mom is to hold your new baby whenever you can, don't leave your baby in the car seat at church or at home. Your little one will grow up faster than you think, and once they are big, they don't want much down time to snuggle with mom. You will love every second you get to connect with your baby. And although you want all the time to yourself don't forget your husband needs alone time to connect with your baby too. I underestimated my husband's ability to care for Anna but he has always been completely able to watch her and he needed the time with her too. Another piece of advice I have is to find time for yourself. Struggling with self-esteem and the weight loss after my baby was much easier because I made sure I took time to be alone to do something I enjoyed every week. If you can find 2-3 times per week to focus on you and nothing else you will be happy, rejuvenated, and a better mom. Lastly, don't be afraid to admit that you need your own mom's help! I have never relied on my mom so much and I have never been so grateful for her and all she did to raise me growing up. Being a mom is the greatest thing in the entire world, every day might not be spectacular but I guarantee that everything you endure will be worth it. 

Motherhood guest post #5

Okay stupid moment. I have 3 different e-mail accounts, (don't ask me why) and I ventured into one that I have not used in a while and found another motherhood guest post! (Yikes....sorry Paige!)  So without further delay, here is my dear cousin and her thoughts on motherhood. You can also read her cute blog here. 


I was nervous to become a mother. Not nervous that I wouldn’t love my baby or that I would crumble from sleep deprivation. I was nervous that when I was handed my baby I would shutdown in ineptitude. I was worried that my inability to predict what’s next would make my planning-ahead tactic useless and I would, in a word, be incapable.

What I found was that taking care of my baby was incredibly natural. I remember the months leading up to Ada’s birth and watching fussy babies get passed to their mama’s arms. I watched the way that the mothers instantly soothed their little one. Could that be me? Will I be able to learn how to do that?

But it was so natural to step into my mothering-skin. I didn’t read books on parenting or research how to best prepare to care for a newborn. A lot of it was just trusting my instincts and my hands. It’s not that I did anything unique, it just came easily because Ada is my daughter, and I’m her mother. That’s the special kind of bond makes the mother the natural soother, the natural understander, the natural nurturer. I have come to know that mothers are very capable people. So, if you're a mother, trust yourself.

I planned on quietly finishing up the last few credits of my undergrad while I stayed at home with Ada and learned what my new-normal was. As it turned out, I was asked to speak at BYU’s Commencement and my husband was accepted to a graduate program in Bologna, Italy. My “quiet” few months turned into a few months of juggling. But I learned that I was able enough to handle it. In the midst of trying to nail down nursing, write a speech for 50,000 people, polish up my public speaking skills, finish up school, and prepare to move abroad, I found that I was capable of doing more than I thought I was. 


I’m not perfect. There are many (many) days where I feel like I fell short. Where I feel like I can’t possibly do all that is asked of me. But I’m trying, day by day, to be proud of the small accomplishments of each day (today I showered, bathed Ada, did two loads of laundry, played endless rounds of peek-a-boo, went grocery shopping, nursed one-handed, made dinner AND found 10 minutes to read. Score). 

Motherhood is about realigning our perspective. It’s about realizing how capable we are. It’s about trusting your instincts and your abilities. It’s about feeling divinely womanly. It’s about slowing down long enough to understand that while time goes fast, we don’t have to. Enjoy it. It is so, so precious.

Thoughts on motherhood

A couple of people have asked me how being a new mommy is coming along. Being a mother is huge. Something I have been preparing for my whole entire life and now it's here! That seriously boggles my mind. I look at my little girl and think, "I'm your mama! Holy cow I am your mama!" To those who asked,  I would have to say that being a mother has surprisingly come very naturally. Like it was rooted in me the whole entire time, but waiting for the right moment to bring itself forth. And that moment was when I held my little girl for the first time. My motherly instincts came in full force. Sure I still struggle with every day new mommy things, I still look/feel very awkward carrying a car seat around, and I can't seem to get myself ready until after 1:00 but being a mother is wonderful. Amazing. And as always, a working progress. Good thing Evelyn is very patient with me!

Motherhood guest post #4

It's time for another motherhood post! Our next guest is Katy. I just recently visited her and her cute baby girl  who is just the cutest thing ever.

"First of all, I am really happy to be writing a guest post about being a mom, but I feel very under qualified. I had my baby two months ago, and that time has gone by so quickly! I am still learning and discovering new things, but here is what I have to say about being a mother so far.

Some of the best advice that I received while I was pregnant was from a coworker who has a little 18-month-old little girl. She said to me “Don’t be worried if you aren’t absolutely over-the-moon in love with your baby the first time you see her.” I know that sounds very cynical, but she explained that before she had her little one, she wasn’t what you would call a “baby person”. She said that when she first held her baby, she was thinking “wow, this little person is just a stranger to me”. However, she warned me that if I felt that way, those feelings would come and I would grow to love her more and more as we got to know each other.

I have always adored babies, but it was true; the first time I saw my little Evelyn all I could really feel was overwhelmed. I had a very scary emergency C-section, and I wasn’t able to see her for her first seven hours of life, and then they finally wheeled me into the NICU to see her, I wept. It wasn’t the feeling that I had been expecting. It was a very overwhelmed feeling that left me thinking, “Oh my goodness, I am responsible for this little person’s life!” However, what my coworker said was true. Those feelings of love and attachment continue to grow day by day.

Two months out, I am still falling in love with her more and more every day. The first time she smiled at me and I felt like she recognized me, my heart exploded with joy. Her little wobbly head is the dearest thing I have ever seen. Her wide eyes staring at me from her car seat make me want to stop everything and stare right back. Every little development is cause for celebration. Call the grandparents! Post on Facebook! Our baby is amazing!

I now take about a thousand pictures of her every week, send my husband text messages about poop, and purposely catch projectile vomit with my shirt to keep it off of the furniture… and I love every minute of it.

I worried that having a baby would be hard on my marriage, and that my husband and I would not be as close as we always have been. We have found that you do have to work harder to make time for each other and spend time together, but there is nothing more beautiful and romantic to me than seeing my husband rock our baby to sleep. It has only made us stronger, but I think that has also been a choice on our part. I have a wonderful and supportive husband who splits her care 50/50 with me. He is so good with her, and I often think that she prefers him over me! That actually makes me very happy because I think every girl should grow up with an involved and loving father to watch out for them.

Being a mom so far has been life changing, but wonderfully so. I love my beautiful little family, and I know that we were meant to be together... and will be forever!"

Motherhood guest post #3

It's time for another post on Motherhood! Thanks to all who have participated so far! I love being able to read these and get a little glimpse on what motherhood is all about. Our next guest is Katrina. Reading this has eased my thoughts on moms that work after their child is born because I plan on being a working mom. 

"To understand a mother's love, bear your own children."
-- Chinese Proverb

"The day my son Saxton was born was one of the most physically and emotionally challenging day of my life. The next was when I went back to work.

Not really a coincidence that some of the hardest things I have ever done, are tied to being a mom. Yikes! You’ve got to be made of some serious stuff to do this job! It begins with “Am I REALLY pregnant? We’ve only been trying for three weeks!” to “Bleh. Will the morning sickness (which is really every-minute-of-the-day sickness) EVER go away?!” to “Are those REALLY my ankles?!” and “I’m a size what...?” to the final “I CANNOT push one more time Dr. Rallison. It hurts. A lot!” Then comes the “Will I ever get more than two hours of sleep?” and “Could this car seat and diaper bag be any heavier?!” to “Wow. I had no idea you could crawl so fast. Guess I should have put that up higher.” and “I had no idea you could throw such a big tantrum!”

I could go on and on and on about all of the tough stuff that comes with being a mommy, but no one can ever prepare you for the first time you hold that tiny little baby, and for the COUNTLESS blessings that come with being a mom. Cliché? For good reason! From baby fingers a toes, to the first time you realize that you are having a semi-conversation with your little one (and that they are not so little any more), and everything in between; being a mommy is so worth it.

Because we live in a different type of world, I have the blessing and challenge of being a working mom. At first I thought I was a total and utter failure of a woman because I couldn’t be a stay at home mom, but I now realize what a blessing it is, and how much we have been blessed. It makes the time I get to spend with my little man and my hubby all the more sweet. Nothing makes me happier than to see his face when I come home from work, and to hear “Hi mommy!” My hubby and I are daily in awe at his development and growth, and of course, his super cuteness! He teaches me so much.

Although nothing can really prepare you to be a mommy, it’s a pretty great thing to realize you’re not doing a half bad job. Being a mom is really the greatest blessing in the world."

Motherhood guest post #2

Our next Motherhood guest is Janeal. Janeal is a new mother to the scene but has already learned so much from her little boy. All these cute little boys are making it easier to imagine me with one!


"Being a mom is so much better than I expected. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't thinking it'd be horrible, but I thought I'd be constantly exhausted, never have time to shower, neglect my husband, and be confined at home. But it's not like that at all!

The first few weeks of motherhood were incredibly hard. Recovering from giving birth, plus learning how to change a diaper, plus getting used to breastfeeding, PLUS dealing with insane hormones, equals crazy Janeal. I had to ask for help from family members several times. I'm so glad my husband was there to go through it with me. Still, I look at newborn pictures of Rowan and I miss it already.

Right now I'm a stay-at-home mom, and I love it. Watching Rowan learn and grow every day is amazing. I am blessed to be able to stay home with him while my husband supports us.

I love how happy Rowan is in the mornings. It's easy to wake up when I have a smiley baby cooing at me. He is a pretty content kid most of the time, but mornings are my favorite part of the day with him.

This may sound weird, but I also really love breastfeeding. It was so hard to get the hang of at first, and there were MANY times in that first month when I said I was giving up, but I have some very supportive people in my life, and they got me through it. Now, nursing is my special time with Rowan. It's the one thing that only I can give him.

There are three pieces of advice I would give any new mother:

1. Don't set your mind against something before you try it. Before Rowan was born, I said I would never use a pacifier. I heard all about nipple confusion with pacifier or bottle-fed babies, and I wanted to avoid that. I finally broke down and gave Rowan a pacifier when he was 2 weeks old, and I wish I had done it sooner! He had no problems with nipple confusion, and sucking on a pacifier put him right to sleep. I felt really stupid.

2. Take every piece of advice with a grain of salt AND realize that what works for one person might not work for you. These two pieces of advice go together. At my baby showers, I had a lot of experienced mothers tell me not to let the baby sleep in my room, or I wouldn't get any sleep myself. But I sleep with my baby in my room and have since he was born. I get plenty of sleep, too. Obviously that hadn't worked for the advice-givers, but it worked for me. Do what works for you and your baby, and don't feel guilty about it!

3. Take lots of pictures! It's amazing how different babies look from day to day, especially in that first month. You may not notice it, since you'll see your baby every day, but you'll be shocked looking back.

Before I had Rowan, I didn't know how many kids I wanted. In the first few weeks of his life, I couldn't imagine taking care of more than just him. Now, I can't wait to have more kids! I love being a mom!"

Motherhood guest post #1

Motherhood is in the air! I know of so many people that are pregnant right now, me included, and I thought it would be fun to do a motherhood post every so often to hear advice and listen to stories of mothers who have had children. Having a child is huge! Life changing. And totally scary. But after reading some of these, they have put me at ease and I hope they do the same for you! Our first guest is Stephanie and she has THE cutest little boy ever.

"What I love most about being a mother - I love having a little sidekick, someone I get to play with everyday, and dress up! It’s nice to feel like someone really needs you, that you have an awesome responsibility to care for them, and teach them things as they grow. And it’s SO fun to see their progress and the new milestones they hit! Babies and kids just make you smile and laugh every. Single. Day. =)


What made me most nervous about becoming a mother - as much advice as you get, you’ll never really get it til you experience it yourself. I initially was afraid of not knowing what to do with a newborn! I thought I had enough experience, being the oldest of 6 kids, but when it’s YOU and your (also in-experienced) husband trying to figure out what that baby needs, it’s stressful! Somehow though it works! I still get nervous about whether he’s growing enough, developing as fast as he should, and I worry about the future, that I’ll be a good parent and set him up for life.


I had Carter when I was a senior at BYU.. I took that semester off, but had just one more to finish, so luckily Aaron could stay at home while I went to the few classes I had left. Honestly I loved it! It gave Aaron a little more one-on-one time with Carter and I got a little break for a few hours a day. I haven’t worked since I had Carter but I’d still like to. Since we move every summer, it makes it even harder for me to get a job, plus I don’t want to pay for childcare, but if I had to, I’d be okay with it part-time. So for the time-being, it’s jut me and Carter every day at home =)


Some extra advice - I know everyone says this, that the newborn stage is so hard, but I thought I was exempt from that because I really love newborns. I think they’re so beautiful and precious and new, and I didn’t think I’d be that tired and that emotional. Wrong!! I got the baby blues just like most people do, and one of my biggest challenges (besides recovering from a c-section, and not liking breastfeeding) was feeling not like myself at ALL. So many things were new, and I barely had time with Aaron and it made me so sad and worried that things would never be the same. But the good news is that it gets better!! Things get back to normal as your new little family adjusts and then life is just peachy! Nowadays, it’s tough but still important to get on dates with your husband, still put him first, and spend that quality time together. You don’t want your husband feeling resentment or abandonment because of a new baby. Also, don’t think you’re gonna love being a mom every single day. There are certainly times when you wanna pull your hair out! This is normal, just remember that =)" - Stephanie